Electronic inhalation device

ABSTRACT

An electronic inhalation device comprising a mouthpiece and a control unit, the control unit comprising a power cell and a computer, where the computer comprises a computer processor, a memory and an input-output means; wherein the device further comprises a transmitter connected to the computer and the computer is configured in use to collect and store use data relating to a user&#39;s use of the device in the computer memory and transmit the use data.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/432,750filed Mar. 31, 2015, which in turn is a National Phase entry of PCTApplication No. PCT/EP2013/071072, filed Oct. 9, 2013, which in turnclaims priority to and benefit of United Kingdom Patent Application No.GB1218820.7, filed Oct. 19, 2012, each of which is hereby fullyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to electronic inhalation devices. Moreparticularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure concernselectronic cigarettes comprising a computer and a transmitter.

BACKGROUND

Electronic inhalation devices are typically cigarette-sized and functionby allowing a user to inhale a nicotine vapor from a liquid store byapplying a suction force to a mouthpiece. Some electronic inhalationdevices have a pressure sensor that activates when a user applies thesuction force and causes a heater coil to heat up and vaporize theliquid. Electronic inhalation devices include electronic cigarettes.

SUMMARY

An electronic inhalation device comprising a mouthpiece and a controlunit, the control unit comprising a power cell and a computer, where thecomputer comprises a computer processor, a memory and an input-outputmeans; wherein the device further comprises a transmitter connected tothe computer and the computer is configured in use to collect and storeuse data relating to a user's use of the device in the computer memoryand transmit the use data.

Storing data has the advantage that data relating to a user's intake andusage habits can be monitored. This is important when the device is usedas a replacement for cigarettes since it enables the replacement therapyto be monitored and a determination made as to whether it is working. Bytransmitting the stored use data, the user is able to transmit the datato a receiving device in order to interpret it and monitor their use ofthe device.

Suitably, the electronic inhalation device is an electronic cigarette.

Suitably, the computer is a microcontroller.

Suitably, the transmitter is configured to transmit the use data bywireless means.

Suitably, the transmitter is an audio signaling means and is configuredto transmit the use data by sound.

Providing a wireless transmission means enables the data to betransmitted and shared without the cumbersome use of a cable interface.This eliminates the need for an access port on the device. Transmittingby wireless means requires a transmitting device within the device. Whenthe transmission is made by sound, the transmitter can be a simplecomponent such as a buzzer or speaker. This is a low cost item yeteffective component and allows transmission of data through modulatedsound. The sounder can also serve other functions.

Suitably, the use data comprises an inhalation count, where theinhalation count is a count of the number of inhalations a user hastaken on the device. Suitably, the inhalation count is stored in 1 byteor 2 bytes of data memory.

Suitably, the use data comprises an average inhalation time, where theaverage inhalation time is the mean average of the inhalations countedin the inhalation count. Suitably, the average inhalation time is storedin 1 byte or 2 bytes of data memory.

Suitably, the use data comprises a session count, where the sessioncount is a count of the number of inhalation sessions. Suitably, thesession count is stored in 1 byte or 2 bytes of data memory. Suitably,an inhalation session ends when the device is inactive for apredetermined inactivity time following inhalation on the device.

By storing data relating to number of inhalations, average inhalationtime, and number of sessions, the data storage requirements areminimized yet the important information is still stored. The number ofinhalations and number of sessions is just a count and this value can bechanged and updated in the computer memory so that only a single valueis required. Likewise, the average duration can be changed and updatedin the memory so that only a single value is required. Thus the memoryspace requirements are greatly minimized.

Suitably, the use data is stored in 8 bytes or less of data memory.

Suitably, the use data is optimized for transmission by sound.

Minimizing the data has the advantage that the data can be transmittedmore quickly and even repeated transmissions can be made in a shortduration so that the user is not waiting for transmissions to be made.Having stored data in 8 bytes or less of data memory provides minimaldata for transmission thus speeding up the transmission process. Minimaldata may be important when the data is being transmitted by modulatedsound.

Suitably, the use data further comprises header data at the start of thedata to indicate the start of the data.

Suitably, the use data further comprises footer data that the end of thedata to indicate the end of the data.

Suitably, the use data further comprises configuration data towards thestart of the data to indicate how the data is configured fortransmission.

Suitably, the configuration data indicates the frequency range of thedata transmission.

Suitably, the configuration data indicates the duration of the datatransmission.

Suitably, the configuration data indicates the intensity of the datatransmission.

The extra data provided with the core use data serves to provide usefulinformation to the receiving means about the data being transmitted.Having header data that the receiving means is waiting for ensures thatthe receiving means knows that data will follow this header data.Likewise, having footer data ensures that the receiving means knows thatthe data transmission is over. The configuration data is important sinceit enables the receiver to configure itself and prepare for data beingsent. When transmission is by sound, data can be modulated in differentfrequency ranges, over different time period and will differentintensities, so it is an advantage to know how the data will be sent.

Suitably, the use data comprises details of individual inhalationevents. Suitably, details of individual inhalation events include thedate and time of each inhalation. Suitably, details of individualinhalation events include the duration of each inhalation

Suitably, the computer is configured to transmit a first transmissionversion of the use data and a second transmission version of the usedata successively.

Suitably, the first transmission version is substantially the same asthe second transmission version.

Suitably, the first transmission version and the second transmissionversion each has a different frequency range.

Suitably, the first transmission version and the second transmissionversion each has a different duration.

Suitably, the first transmission version and the second transmissionversion each has different signal intensity.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to transmit three or moretransmission versions of the use data successively.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to transmit the use datarepeatedly.

By transmitting the data more than once, the receiver is more likely toreceive a complete message. If there is interference during onetransmission, other transmissions may get through without interference.By varying parameters such as frequency ranges, durations andintensities, the data that is affected under one set of conditions maynot be affected under another. Thus, there is a higher chance that thereceiver will receive the data. Also, by transmitting the data more thatonce, the receiver is able to verify the data that is sent.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to transmit the use data ata frequency substantially above the frequency range of typicalbackground noise.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to transmit the use data ata frequency substantially above the human hearing frequency range.

There are typical background noises in normal living and workingenvironments. By providing a signal substantially outside of thesebackground noises gives a higher chance that the transmitted signal willbe received by the receiver. Also, where the data is transmitted bymodulated sound, the transmission noise may be undesirable so providingtransmission at a frequency about the human hearing frequency rangeprevents this.

Suitably, the computer is configured to clear the use data from thememory after transmission.

Suitably, the computer is configured to clear the use data from thememory when controlled to do so by the user.

Once the data has been transmitted, clearing the data from the memoryallows future data to be stored.

Suitably, the electronic inhalation device further comprises a pressuresensor connected to the computer.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to transmit the use datawhen the pressure sensor detects operation of the device outside ofnormal use.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to transmit the use datawhen the pressure sensor detects blowing into the device.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to transmit the use datawhen the pressure sensor detects sucking on the device.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to transmit the use data thepressure sensor detects a short burst of blowing into the device.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to transmit the use datawhen the pressure sensor detects a short burst of sucking on the device.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to transmit the use datawhen the pressure sensor detects two or more short bursts of blowinginto the device.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to transmit the use datawhen the pressure sensor detects two or more short bursts of sucking onthe device.

Suitably, the computer further comprises a menu mode configured wherebythe pressure sensor is used to activate the menu mode and select a menuoption that starts transmission of the use data.

Using the pressure sensor to control the transmission of the data isadvantageous since the pressure sensor may already be a feature of theproduct. Thus, additional components to control the transmission willnot be needed. The control is also an internal control so there is lesschange of it being damaged.

Suitably, the computer is configured to clear the use data from thememory when a user selects a clear memory menu option.

Suitably, the computer is configured to clear the use data from thememory when the menu mode is exited.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to notify the user by soundwhen the device has entered the menu mode.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to notify the user by soundprior to transmission of the use data.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to notify the user by soundwhen the transmission of the use data is underway.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to notify the user by soundwhen the transmission of the use data is complete.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to notify the user by soundwhen the transmission of the use data has been successfully received.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to notify the user by soundwhen the transmission of the use data has not been successfullyreceived.

Suitably, the computer is configured in use to notify the user by soundwhen the use data has been cleared from the computer memory.

Using sound to notify the user has the advantage that a number ofdifferent sound signals can easily be used that a user is able todistinguish between. Thus a user can easily identify where transmissionhas started, ended, succeeded or failed and the user can take actionaccordingly. This is especially an advantage when the device iscontrolled using a pressure sensor since the device will be in a user'smouth and a user will find it difficult to look at it. However, when thedevice is in the mouth, it will be near the user's ears so the soundwill be easily heard.

Suitably, the device further comprises a microphone connected to thecomputer.

Suitably, the computer is configured to determine the background noiseusing the microphone and transmit the use data so as to substantiallyavoid the background noise.

Suitably, the computer is configured to start transmission when a startsignal is received by the microphone.

Suitably, the computer is configured to end transmission when an endsignal is received by the microphone.

Suitably, the computer is configured to retransmit the use data when afail signal is received by the microphone.

Suitably, the computer is configured to clear the use data from thememory when a clear signal is received by the microphone.

Having a microphone is advantageous since it allows feedback to bereceived from the receiver and allows control of the transmission by thereceiver. Also, a reading can be made of the background noise in orderto process the transmission method to provide a transmission that isstill able to be received.

Suitably, the electronic inhalation device comprises a mouthpiece endand a tip end, and the transmitter is located at the tip end.

Suitably, the transmitter is configured such that in use the use data istransmitted out of the tip end.

Suitably, the device comprises a longitudinal central axis and thetransmitter is configured such that in use the use data is transmittedsubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and out from the tipend.

By setting up the transmission in relation to the physical dimensions ofthe device, the user is able to orientate the device relative to thereceiver in order to optimize the transmission.

Suitably, the transmitter is a speaker.

As used herein the term electronic smoking device includes not only anelectronic cigarette but also electronic smoking articles other than anelectronic cigarette, for example a heat-not-burn (HNB) device or anelectrically powered spray device in which a pressurized liquid isstored in a canister and released under the control of an electronicvalve in response to a pressure drop produced by the user drawing on thedevice. These devices are referred to herein collectively as “electronicsmoking devices”, which term is intended to cover any electronic devicewhich can be used as a substitute for a cigarette or as a cessationdevice, which does not involve the conventional combustion of tobacco.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an electronic inhalation device.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view through the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded side perspective view of an electronic inhalationdevice having separated mouthpiece and control unit.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view through the device of FIG. 3 withconnected mouthpiece and control unit.

FIG. 5 is an exploded side perspective view of an electronic inhalationdevice having separated mouthpiece, vaporizer and control unit.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view through the device of FIG. 5 withconnected mouthpiece, vaporizer and control unit.

FIG. 7 is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of another embodimentof an electronic inhalation device similar to that of FIGS. 3 and 4, andthat of FIGS. 5 and 6, showing the internal components thereof ingreater detail.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the electronic inhalation device of FIG. 7when assembled.

FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of the electronic inhalationdevice of FIGS. 7 and 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 there is shown an electronic inhalationdevice in the form of a cigarette-shaped electronic cigarette. Theelectronic cigarette has a mouthpiece 2 and a cigarette body 4. Themouthpiece 2 has an air outlet 6 at a first end and is connected to thecigarette body 4 at a second end.

Inside the electronic cigarette there is a liquid store 8 towards themouthpiece end and a vaporizer 10 having a heating coil 12. Thevaporizer 10 is arranged next to the liquid store 8 to allow liquid tobe transferred onto the vaporizer 10 for vaporizing. A circuit board 14contains a pressure sensor 16, a transmitter 18, and a computer 20. Apower cell 22 provides power to the device. The power cell 22 andcircuit board 14 with pressure sensor 16, transmitter 18 and computer 20are contained in a control unit 24.

The general operation of the electronic cigarette is similar to that ofknown devices. When a user takes a draw on the electronic cigarette, asuction force is applied to the mouthpiece 2 and the air outlet 6. Areduced pressure inside the electronic cigarette causes the power cell22 to provide power to the vaporizer 10 which in turn vaporizes thenicotine liquid solution. The resultant vapor is then inhaled by theuser.

In this example the operation of the electronic cigarette goes beyondthat of a general device. In a normal operating mode, when a userapplies a suction force to the electronic cigarette, the resultantairflow causes a drop in pressure from ambient pressure to a lowerpressure, within the device. The pressure sensor 16 provides a signal tothe computer 20. The computer 20 runs software that monitors thepressure signal from the pressure sensor 16 and when it determines thatthe pressure has been reduced below a threshold pressure, the computer20 provides an electrical current to the heating coil 12 in order toheat the heating coil 12 and vaporize liquid from the liquid store 8.

The software running on the computer 20 controls the operation of thedevice. The computer 20 also allows stores data on usage in a memory andallows transmission of this use data.

When a user uses the device in the normal mode of operation to inhalevaporized liquid such as nicotine vapor, the computer 20 monitors thisusage. There are three parameters stored by the computer 20. These arethe number of inhalations, the average time for an inhalation and thenumber of sessions.

The number of inhalations is simply a count of the number of times thedevice is activated to vaporize the liquid solution during normal use.This count starts at zero and is incremented each time the device isactivated to deliver vapor during an inhalation. Thus, the count isincremented each time the pressure within the device is reduced below athreshold pressure thereby activating the vaporizer 10. Since this isjust a count, the computer 20 stores the number of inhalations value andupdates this accordingly. Thus, only a single value is stored in thecomputer memory.

By definition, 1 byte of data is equal to 8 bits of data. This enables avalue between 0 and 255 to be stored in a single byte. In addition, 2bytes of data enables a value between 0 and 65535 to be stored in twobytes. Thus, the number of inhalations value can easily be stored in 2bytes of data and possibly 1 byte of data depending on usage.

When a user inhales on the inhalation device and the device activates toheat the heating coil 12 and vaporize the liquid in the liquid store 8,the device is only active while the user is applying a suction force. Infact, the computer 20 determines when the pressure measured by thepressure sensor 16 is reduced below a first threshold pressure value inorder to activate the vaporizer 10. When the user ceases inhaling, thepressure within the device increases. The computer 20 determines whenthe pressure measured by the pressure sensor 16 increases above a secondthreshold pressure value and deactivates the vaporizer 10, stopping theelectrical current flow to the vaporizer 10. The first thresholdpressure value and second threshold pressure value are such that thedrop in pressure has to be more to activate the device and less todeactivate the device. Thus the first threshold pressure value is alower absolute pressure than the second threshold pressure value. Thepressure change between the first threshold pressure and ambientpressure is greater than the pressure change between the secondthreshold pressure and ambient pressure. This helps to ensure that thedevice is not activated accidentally.

The time during which the computer 20 is supplying electrical current tothe heating element 12 is an inhalation time. Thus, each inhalation timeis dependent on the duration that the user inhales on the device. Thecomputer 20 is able to calculate and store the average inhalation time,being the mean average.

After the first inhalation, the number of inhalations is 1 and theaverage inhalation time is just the first inhalation time. After thesecond inhalation, the number of inhalations is 2 and the averageinhalation time is the sum of the first and second inhalation timesdivided by 2. After the nth inhalation, the number of inhalations is nand the average inhalation time is the sum of all inhalations from 1 ton, then divided by n.

The computer 20 is able to update the average inhalation time on eachoccasion such that it only has to store a single value. In 1 byte ofdata, the computer 20 can store values between 0 and 25.5 seconds intenth of a second increments. Since an inhalation typically lastsbetween 2 and 3 seconds, the average inhalation time can easily bestored in 1 byte of data.

The electronic cigarette replicates the smoking of a real cigarette. Auser will typically self-regulate their nicotine intake so whilst thetotal liquid in the liquid store 8 might provide significantly morenicotine than found in a single cigarette, a user will not inhale all ofthis at once. A user may use the device in sessions such that a userinhales a number of times in succession but then leaves a bigger timegap than between inhalations before starting again.

When a user inhales on the device, the computer 20 is able to determinethe time that has elapsed since the previous inhalation. The computerthen determines whether this time is greater than a threshold timeperiod that defines a new smoking session. So if the wait between aninhalation and a subsequent inhalation is greater than a predeterminednew session time, the computer identifies the subsequent inhalation asthe start of a new session.

The computer 20 is able to count the number of sessions and then updatethis number as a single value. In 1 byte of data, the computer 20 canstore numbers between 0 and 255. In 2 bytes of data, the computer 20 canstore numbers between 0 and 65535. Thus the number of sessions can bestored in 1 byte or 2 bytes of data.

As the computer 20 stores use data values, these are updated so that thevalues are always current following an inhalation. At some point a usermay decide to access this information.

A transmitter 18 is connected to the computer 20 and a user can transmitthe use data using the transmitter 18. In order to begin transmission, auser must first activate the transmitter 18. There are a number ofpossibilities for activating the transmission of the data, an exampleactivation makes use of the pressure sensor 16.

The pressure sensor 16 is used in normal operation to inhale a vaporizedliquid. So when a user makes use of the pressure sensor in a way notnormally used by the pressure sensor, the device can be used to transmitthe use data.

When a user has finished using the device and wishes to transmit the usedata they can do this by carrying out an action on the device that isdifferent to how they use it in a normal mode. In a normal mode, a usertypically inhales on the device for 2 to 3 seconds, replicating theaction of smoking a real cigarette. In this situation the computer 20receives a signal from the pressure sensor 16 and activates thevaporizer 10, heating up the heating coil 12.

To begin transmitting, a user can blow briefly into the device. Thepressure sensor 16 sends a signal to the computer 20, and the computerrecognizes that this is not normal operation but a signal to begintransmitting. Alternatively a user can blow briefly into the device,suck suddenly on the device in a quick burst or indeed blow or suck twoor more times in rapid succession. In each of these circumstances, thepressure sensor 16 will send a signal to the computer 20 and thecomputer 20 will determine that this is not normal operation but asignal for the device to begin transmitting. When the device leavesnormal mode and enters into transmission state, the vaporizer 10 isprevented from activating so that the user can further control thedevice using the pressure sensor 16 without activating the heatingelement 12.

The transmitter 18 may be a wireless transmitter therefore transmittingthe use data by wireless means to a corresponding receiver. In thisexample, the transmitter 18 is a sounder such as a buzzer or speaker andtransmits the data using sound. The computer 20 interprets the data andcauses the transmission of the use data by sound.

Since transmission is generally directional, the transmitter 18 can beoriented and fixed in place relative to the outer cigarette body 4 suchthat a user is able to determine the transmission direction by lookingat the device. In this example, the direction of transmission is outfrom the tip of the electronic cigarette in a direction parallel to theelectronic cigarette.

Thus a user knows that pointing the electronic cigarette at a receiverwill give the maximum transmission.

When the transmission is made by sound, a corresponding receiver uses amicrophone. In this example, the receiving device is a smart phonehaving a built in microphone. The smart phone comprises a computer and asoftware application can be loaded onto the smart phone in order toconfigure the smart phone to be a receiver for the electronic cigarettetransmission.

In use, the electronic cigarette transmits the use data as a soundsignal and this sound signal can be detected and recorded on the smartphone. The computer on the smart phone can then extract the data andpresent this visually to the user.

Since the use data is being transmitted by sound and relies on soundbeing recorded by the receiving device, any background noise, as iscommon in most daytime environments, may interfere with the signal andprevent the receiving device from receiving the signal. In order tocombat this, the sound signal is broadcast in a frequency range that isoutside of most background noise frequency ranges. In another example,because the modulated sound signal may not be a desirable sound for theuser, the sound signal could be transmitted at a frequency outside thefrequency of human hearing. Thus a user would not heat the sound signal.

In order for the user to identify when a device is ready to transmit, istransmitting and has finished transmitting data, a sound signalcorresponding to each of these events is communicated to the user. Forexample, a single beep may mean ready, a double beep may meantransmitting, and three beeps may mean finished.

Since the use data is only stored in a few bytes of data, this data caneasily and quickly be transmitted by modulated sound. There is also thepossibility that the data can be transmitted more than once during atransmission session. For example, when a user initiates transmission ofthe use data, a first version may be transmitted followed directly by asecond version, prior to the transmission ending. Any receiving devicewould be configured to know the number of times that a signal was beingtransmitted. Having two versions enables two different sound signals tobe used to transmit the same data. For example, the second version soundsignal could be transmitted at a different frequency, have a differentduration, or have a different intensity. This would provide a way toavoid background noise and ensure that the signal and data is receivedby the receiving device.

In another example, this idea can be taken further and three of moresuccessive version of the data may be transmitted with different soundsignals so as to maximise the probability that the receiver receives thesignal. In another example, the use data may be transmitted repeatedlyuntil the user stops the signal. This enables the user to position thereceiver and wait until the receiving device has successfully receivedthe data.

When a user has finished with the transmission of the data they willwant to clear the data from the computer memory so that new data can bestored in the device memory. A user may do this using the pressuresensor 16. Alternatively the computer 20 may assume that the data hasbeen transmitted and automatically clear the memory. A user is notifiedby a sound signal when the data has been cleared from the computermemory, such as 4 beeps.

In order to help the receiver identify the start and end of the soundsignal transmission, header data representing the start of the signaland footer data representing the end of the signal can be added to theuse data. Thus, the receiver is able to identify the start of the signaland end of the signal. This is particularly useful when the use data istransmitted more than once.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show a device similar to that shown in relation toFIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The difference is that the mouthpiece 2 isreleasably-attachable to the cigarette body 4. The mouthpiece comprisesa female screw thread connection means, the cigarette body is a controlunit 24 having a male screw thread connection means. The mouthpiece 2and the control unit 24 can be screwed together or taken apart.

In this example, the mouthpiece 2 comprises the liquid store 8 and thevaporizer 10 with heating coil 12. The control unit 24 comprises thepower cell 22 and circuit board 14 with pressure sensor 16, transmitter18 and computer 20. The screw thread connection provides an electricalconnection such that when the mouthpiece 2 and control unit 24 arescrewed together, electrical current can be delivered to the heatingcoil 12 upon activation of the vaporizer 10.

Another difference is that the control unit 24 further comprises amicrophone 26. The microphone 26 enables the device to act as both atransmitter and a receiver. In use, the computer 20 is able to measurethe background noise using the microphone 26. So rather than providing ause data sound signal that avoids a typical background noise, thecomputer 20 can configure the sound signal so that it avoids themeasured background noise.

The computer 20 is then able to transmit this modified sound signal andthere is a higher probability that the receiver will successfullyreceive the signal. Since the computer 20 is using a measured backgroundnoise it may be useful to add configuration data towards the start ofthe use data sound signal. This configuration data gives informationabout the signal frequency, duration and intensity to allow the receiverto adjust accordingly in order to receive the transmission.

The microphone 26 also provides a means by which the device can beactivated for transmission of the use data. For example, a user coulduse the receiving device to send out a start sound signal. This would bepicked up by the microphone 26 and cause the transmission of the usedata to begin. Where the transmission is ongoing, the receiving devicecould send out a sound signal to end transmission. If the receivingdevice has not successfully received the use data, it could send out asound signal to repeat transmission of the use data. If the receivingdevice has successfully received transmission of the use data is couldsend out a signal to enable to device to enter normal mode and clear theuse data from the memory

When the computer 20 identifies that the use data has been transmittedsuccessfully it notifies the user of this by sound. Likewise, when thecomputer 20 identifies that the use data has not been transmittedsuccessfully it notifies the user of this by sound.

The computer 20 is able to leave the transmitting mode when thevaporizer 10 is unscrewed from the control unit 24.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show a device similar to that shown in relation toFIG. 3 and FIG. 4. However in this example, the vaporizer 10 isremovable from the mouthpiece 2. Also, as with the device of FIG. 1 andFIG. 2, there is no microphone on the circuit board 14.

The mouthpiece 2 has a cylindrical opening that forms an interferencepush-fit with the vaporizer 10. As such the mouthpiece 2 can beseparated from the vaporizer 10. The mouthpiece 2 comprises the liquidstore 8. The vaporizer 10 comprises the heating coil 12 and a wick 28.The wick 28 protrudes from the end of the vaporizer 10 such that whenthe mouthpiece 2 and the vaporizer 10 are connected, the wick 28 dipsinto the liquid store 8.

In use, as a user inhales on the device, liquid is transferred from theliquid store 8 and onto the wick 28 before being transferred onto theheating coil 12 for vaporization.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of an electronic inhalationdevice in the form of an electronic cigarette. The device is similar tothe embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the embodiment shown in FIGS.5 and 6, although the embodiment in FIGS. 7 and 8 shows the internalcomponents thereof in greater detail. The device comprises a mouthpiece31, vaporizer device 32 and control unit 33 which can be assembled asshown in FIG. 8 to provide a generally cylindrical device that can beused as a substitute for a conventional tobacco burning cigarette. Thecontrol unit 33 is provided with a threaded extension 34 that isreceived in an interior thread 35 in the vapor device 32. The mouthpiece31 comprises a generally cylindrical plastics casing 36 that can bepush-fitted on to the vapor device 32.

The mouthpiece 31 has an outlet 37 to supply vapor to the mouth of theuser and an outlet passageway 38 for the vapor which, in use is producedby the vapor device 32. The mouthpiece 31 also includes a liquidreservoir comprising a porous storage matrix 39 such as plastics openfoam material impregnated with a vaporizable liquid, such as a nicotinecontaining liquid that in use is vaporized by the vapor device 32. Thematrix 39 acts as a reservoir for the liquid and since the mouthpiece 31is readily removable and replaceable, it can be used as a refill capsulewhen the liquid in the porous matrix 39 becomes depleted and needs to bereplenished.

The vapor device 32 includes an electronic heating coil 40 that is woundaround a ceramic core 41, supported on a ceramic base 42. A generallyU-shaped wicking member 43 is configured to wick liquid from thereservoir 39 towards the heating element 40 by capillary action. Thewicking member 43 may for example by made of a metallic foam such asnickel foam.

The heater coil 40 is powered by a rechargeable battery 44 located inthe control unit 33 through electrical contacts 48, 49 (not shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, see FIG. 9) which electrically couple the heater coil tothe battery 44 when the control unit 33 is fitted to the vapor device 32by the engagement of threads 34, 35. The electrical power of the battery44 is supplied to the heater coil 40 under the control of a controlcircuit 45 mounted on circuit board 46 within the control unit 33.

As shown in FIG. 9, the control circuit 45 includes a microcontroller 47powered by battery 44 to supply an electric heating current to the coil40 through the contacts 48, 49 that are brought into electricalconnection when the control unit 33 is threadedly engaged with the vapordevice 32 by means of threads 34, 35 shown in FIG. 7.

A pressure sensor 50 detects when a user draws on the mouthpiece 38, asdescribed in more detail hereinafter.

Also, a signaling unit 51 is provided to provide audio or visual outputsto the user indicative of operational conditions of the device. Forexample, the signaling device may include a light emitting diode thatglows red when the user draws on the device. The signaling device mayprovide predetermined audio or visual signals to indicate for examplethat the battery 44 needs to be recharged.

The supply of current from the battery 44 to the mouth controller iscontrolled by switching transistor 52.

When the user draws on the mouthpiece 1 so as to draw vapor through theoutlet 37, the pressure sensor 50 detects the drop in pressure which iscommunicated from within the vapor device 32 through the interior of thecontrol unit 33 to the circuit board 45. Microcontroller 47 responds tothe pressure drop detected by the sensor 50 to supply electrical currentto the heater coil 4 o, which vaporizes liquid supplied by capillaryaction through the U-shaped wicking member 43. An air inlet passageway55 is provided in the joint between the vapor unit 32 and control unit33 so that air can be drawn through the threaded extension 34 of thecontrol unit 33 into the vapor device 32 in the direction of arrows A,so that the resulting vapor is drawn in the direction of arrows Bthrough passageway 38 to the outlet 37.

The operation of the device of FIGS. 7 and 8 may be the same as that ofany of the devices of FIGS. 1 to 6 described previously and so adetailed description of such operation will not be repeated here.However, it is intended that the control circuit 46 of the embodiment ofFIGS. 7 and 8 may be configured as per the circuit board 14 of theembodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6, and vice versa. Specifically, the circuitboard 46 may comprise a transmitter 18 configured and operable asdescribed previously with respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to6, and so the device may be capable of transmitting usage data and maybe activated and/or operated as described previously. Also, the pressuresensor 50 may be disposed on the circuit board 46 within the controlunit 33 and the vapor device 32 may be in fluid communication with thearea within the control unit 33, via an open passageway for example (notshown), such that a drop in pressure within the vapor device 32 isdetectable by a pressure sensor on the circuit board 46 within controlunit 33.

In addition to the above, the microcontroller 47 of the embodiment ofFIGS. 7 and 8 may be programmed as per the computer 20 of theembodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6 to monitor the measured pressure from thepressure sensor 16 to control the device accordingly and as describedpreviously, particularly to run software to control the operation of thedevice, including monitor device usage and monitor and calculate therespective usage parameters, as described previously.

The circuit board 46 may further comprise a microphone 26 as per theembodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and described above, such that thedevice may act as both a transmitter and a receiver, and function asdescribed in detail above with respect to that particular embodiment.

Although examples have been shown and described it will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications mightbe made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The computerprocessor could be a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The device isnot restricted to being cigarette shaped. The computer processor,transmitter and pressure sensor are not restricted to being on the samecircuit board. The heating coil used for vaporization could be replacedby another type of non-coil heating element. The control for thetransmitter could be a button or a switch or some other means, ratherthan the pressure sensor or microphone. The use data could store moreinformation such as details relating to each inhalation including date,time and duration

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety ofthis disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments inwhich the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for superiorelectronic inhalation devices. The advantages and features of thedisclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and arenot exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist inunderstanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understoodthat advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures,and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be consideredlimitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations onequivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilisedand modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/orspirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise,consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of thedisclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Inaddition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presentlyclaimed, but which may be claimed in future. Any feature of anyembodiment can be used independently of, or in combination with, anyother feature.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electronic inhalation device comprising:a mouthpiece; a control unit comprising a power cell and a computer, thecomputer including a computer processor, a memory and an input-output;and a transmitter connected to the computer, wherein the computer isconfigured to, in use: collect and store use data relating to a use ofthe device by a user in the computer memory, and transmit the use data,wherein the use data comprises at least one of: an inhalation count, andthe inhalation count is a count of a number of inhalations a user hastaken on the electronic inhalation device, an average inhalation time,and the average inhalation time is a mean average of inhalations countedin the inhalation count, or a session count, and the session count is acount of a number of inhalation sessions.
 2. The electronic inhalationdevice of claim 1, wherein the electronic inhalation device is anelectronic cigarette.
 3. The electronic inhalation device of claim 1,wherein the computer is a microcontroller.
 4. The electronic inhalationdevice of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit theuse data wirelessly.
 5. The electronic inhalation device of claim 1,wherein the transmitter is an audio transmitter configured to transmitthe use data by sound.
 6. The electronic inhalation device of claim 1,wherein an inhalation session ends when the electronic inhalation deviceis inactive for a predetermined inactivity time following inhalation onthe electronic inhalation device.
 7. The electronic inhalation deviceof, claim 1, wherein the use data is optimized for transmission bysound.
 8. The electronic inhalation device of, claim 1, wherein the usedata includes at least one of: header data at a start of the data toindicate the start of the data; footer data at an end of the data toindicate the end of the data; or configuration data towards the start ofthe data to indicate how the data is configured for transmission.
 9. Theelectronic inhalation device of claim 8, wherein the configuration dataindicates at least one of: a data transmission frequency range; a datatransmission duration; or an intensity of the data transmission.
 10. Theelectronic inhalation device of claim 1, wherein the use data comprisesdetails of individual inhalation events.
 11. The electronic inhalationdevice of claim 10, wherein details of individual inhalation eventsinclude at least one of: a date and time of each inhalation; or aduration of each inhalation.
 12. The electronic inhalation device ofclaim 1, wherein the computer is configured to transmit a firsttransmission version of the use data and a second transmission versionof the use data successively.
 13. The electronic inhalation device ofclaim 12, wherein the first transmission version is substantially thesame as the second transmission version.
 14. The electronic inhalationdevice of claim 12, wherein the first transmission version and thesecond transmission version each has at least one of: a differentfrequency range; a different duration; or a different signal intensity.15. The electronic inhalation device of claim 1, wherein the computer isconfigured, in use, to do at least one of: transmit three or moretransmission versions of the use data successively; transmit the usedata repeatedly; transmit the use data at a frequency substantiallyabove a frequency range of typical background noise; or transmit the usedata at a frequency substantially above the human hearing frequencyrange.
 16. The electronic inhalation device of claim 1, wherein thecomputer is configured to clear the use data from the memory aftertransmission.
 17. The electronic inhalation device of claim 1, whereinthe computer is configured to clear the use data from the memory whencontrolled to do so by the user.
 18. The electronic inhalation device ofclaim 1, wherein the electronic inhalation device further comprises apressure sensor connected to the computer.
 19. The electronic inhalationdevice of claim 18, wherein the computer is configured, in use, totransmit the use data when the pressure sensor detects at least one of:operation of the electronic inhalation device outside of normal use;blowing into the electronic inhalation device; sucking on the electronicinhalation device; one or more short bursts of blowing into theelectronic inhalation device; or one or more short bursts of sucking onthe electronic inhalation device.
 20. The electronic inhalation deviceof claim 18, wherein the computer is further configured to operate in amenu mode, and the pressure sensor is configured to activate the menumode and select a menu option that starts transmission of the use data.21. The electronic inhalation device of claim 20, wherein the computeris further configured to clear the use data from the memory when atleast one of: a user selects a clear memory menu option; or the menumode is exited.
 22. The electronic inhalation device of claim 20,wherein the computer is configured, in use, to notify the user by soundof at least one of: when the electronic inhalation device has enteredthe menu mode, prior to transmission of the use data, when thetransmission of the use data is underway, when the transmission of theuse data is complete, when the transmission of the use data has beensuccessfully received, or when the transmission of the use data has notbeen successfully received.
 23. The electronic inhalation device ofclaim 1, wherein the computer is further configured, in use, to notifythe user by sound when the use data has been cleared from the computermemory.
 24. The electronic inhalation device of claim 1, wherein theelectronic inhalation device further comprises a microphone connected tothe computer.
 25. The electronic inhalation device of claim 24, whereinthe computer is further configured to at least one of: determine abackground noise using the microphone and to transmit the use data so asto substantially avoid the background noise; start transmission when astart signal is received by the microphone; end transmission when an endsignal is received by the microphone; retransmit the use data when afail signal is received by the microphone; or clear the use data fromthe memory when a clear signal is received by the microphone.
 26. Theelectronic inhalation device of claim 1, wherein the electronicinhalation device further comprises a mouthpiece end and a tip end, andthe transmitter is located at the tip end.
 27. The electronic inhalationdevice of claim 26, wherein the transmitter is configured such that, inuse, the use data is transmitted out of the tip end.
 28. The electronicinhalation device of claim 26, wherein the electronic inhalation devicecomprises a longitudinal central axis and the transmitter is configuredsuch that, in use, the use data is transmitted substantially parallel tothe longitudinal axis and out from the tip end.
 29. The electronicinhalation device of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is a speaker.